AEK take control, Apollon beaten in Europa League

A three-goal blitz in the second half saw AEK take a commanding first leg lead over Levski Sofia in their Europa League second qualifying round tie.

After a goalless first-half which saw former Apoel player Milanov sent-off for Sofia in stoppage time, the Larnaca side scored three goals in nine minutes – through Yiannou, Raul and Hevel – fully taking advantage of playing against ten men.

AEK travel to Bulgaria for the second leg next week.

AEL were also in action later on Thursday night in Greece, with the Limassol side securing a 0-0 draw at Aris Thessalonikis in their first leg encounter.

Ducan Kerkez’s side defended well throughout the ninety minutes with AEL’s goalkeeper Vozinia making a number of crucial saves. The post also denied the home side on a couple of occassions when Vozinia was well beaten.

In one of their few forward ventures AEL could have sneaked a rare European win but Gazarian’s shot came off the crossbar.

Apollon were beaten 2-1 in Ireland by Shamrock Rovers despite taking an early lead through their Greek striker Fotis Papoulis.

Apollon though were outdone by two set-pieces.

In the 14th minute Grace headed the ball past goalkeeper Moll following a corner and in the 57th the Apollon defence was caught napping again allowing Lopez to head in the winner from a  Green free-kick.

Eight minutes from the end Apollon were reduced to ten men after Esteban Sachetti was sent off with a straight red.

 

 

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